"All the bodies are burnt beyond recognition. The debris is scattered," said Taj Muhammad Khan, a government official based in the Havelian region.

Global aviation watchdog Aviation Herald said that PK-661 crashed near Abbottabad due to engine problems.

"It remains to be seen if this was a technical fault. In Pakistan, there is a big question regarding whether international safety standards are followed when it comes to aircraft," said Air Marshall Shahid Latif.